Comedogenic vs. Non Comedogenic Makeup [Your 2020 Guide]

Makeup and cosmetics are every woman’s first love. We are obsessed with making ourselves more beautiful that it’s no wonder why we love to use some makeup.

In fact, the cosmetics industry is extremely lucrative and profitbale since makeup, along with other beauty products, is widely bought and used by women throughout the world. However, when choosing and buying new makeup, one of the things that women should consider is whether it’s comedogenic or non-comedogenic.

Additionally, it’s important to know whether your makeup is acnegenic.

This is important, especially for women who’ve problems with acne or have super sensitive skin as it has been widely acknowledged that non comedogenic makeup is more skin-friendly and has more benefits than comedogenic makeup.

When we say comedogenic makeup, we generally refer to makeup with ingredients that tend to clog our pores and make our skin more oily. On the contrary, non comedogenic is generally lumped with the terms “non-acnegenic” or “non-occlusive” makeup because they don’t clog your pores; hence, you most likely won’t have to deal with breakouts, pimples, and greasy skin.

Of course, you already know some of the major differences between comedogenic and non comedogenic makeup, but raiding the beauty centers and choosing what makeup to buy would be challenging.

It’s not just the colors that you’ve to consider; you must think about the ingredients as well. This is because you really can’t be sure whether what is labeled as non comedogenic is in reality and in truth really a non comedogenic makeup.

How do I know if my makeup is comedogenic?

Unfortunately, there are no standards or specific FDA regulations for the term. The only proven and tested method that you can use to identify non comedogenic makeup is to take note of the ingredients used in your makeup.

If your makeup has any of these ingredients, then it’s high time for you to replace it because it’s definitely comedogenic:

In choosing your makeup, don’t just look at the price, brand, and label; you must also take note of the ingredients because there are cosmetics that have comedogenic ingredients even if it’s labeled as non comedogenic makeup. Choose your makeup wisely!

Who’d be best suited to use non-comedogenic makeup?

Makeup is one of the easiest, least expensive, and noninvasive ways of enhancing a woman’s beauty. Just a simple foundation, a blush, or an eye shadow can greatly change a woman’s look from just being plain and simple to absolutely gorgeous and beautiful.

When it comes to makeup and cosmetics, one of the most sought-after products is non comedogenic makeup. This is probably the safest and the most skin-friendly makeup out there on the market because it doesn’t clog pores and it’s formulated to be gentler to the skin than other traditional makeup due to its natural ingredients.

Generally, non comedogenic makeup can be used for all skin types, but particularly, it’s best suited for the following skin types:

Acne-prone skin types

There’s a good reason why the term “non comedogenic” is lumped with the terms “non acnegenic” or “non-occlusive.” Non comedogenic makeup is the top favorite when it comes to acne-prone skin types. This is because the ingredients used for this type of makeup don’t clog pores. You can use this makeup to cover and hide your acne and breakouts without making them worse since it’s formulated with ingredients that don’t trigger your acne.

Furthermore, you can even use this makeup over your acne medications without irritating your skin. Also, most non comedogenic makeup is oil-free so it doesn’t add more oil to the excess sebum produced by the skin, which is one of the reasons that you’ve acne and breakouts in the first place.

Sensitive skin types and those that are prone to allergies

Other skin types best suited to use non comedogenic makeup are sensitive skin types and those other skin types prone to allergic reactions. This kind of is formulated with ingredients that are gentle to the skin. Since it doesn’t clog your pores, it doesn’t cause follicle irritation, which not only results in acne cosmetica but also skin irritation and redness.

Also, because this kind of makeup is hypoallergenic, those who’ve skin that are prone to allergies can safely use this kind of makeup without getting worried that their skin will sting and have any unwanted reactions to it.

Dry skin types

Non comedogenic makeup is good for dry and flaky skin. Since it’s formulated with all natural ingredients and it’s free from harmful chemicals, it moisturizes the skin, it doesn’t strip the skin from its natural moisture, and it keeps the skin from being dry and flaky. It also keeps the natural PH balance of the skin while ensuring that it won’t look dull, rough, and dry.

Oily skin types

Those with oily skin should use non comedogenic makeup since it’s free from lanolins, parabens, petroleum, isopropyl mystrate, and other comedogenic substances that make the skin oilier and causes it to produce more sebum. One thing that women with oily skin must know is that one tends to have enlarged pores when one has oily skin.

If you use a makeup with comedogenic ingredients, then it would be much easier for you to have clogged pores, but when you use this kind of makeup, you won’t have clogged pores and that would help you avoid having breakouts. This kind of makeup can do all this while still keeping your face shine-free and grease-free, especially on your T-zone.

Finding the right makeup isn’t as simple as you might think. There are so many things that you’ve to consider before buying new makeup, such as the right makeup formula to match your skin type. Remember that the wrong formula can irritate your skin and may lead to other skin complications. Therefore, knowing your skin type is essential to choosing the right makeup

The Truth about Non-Comedogenic Makeup

When it comes to makeup and cosmetics, one of the most popular types of makeup among women is non comedogenic makeup. Basically, what makes women love this type of makeup is that it’s said to not clog pores. And what comes to our minds first when we say that it won’t block pores is that there’s less tendency of having pimples and breakouts, or if you already have pimples, of making those pimples much worse.

There are also a lot of benefits of this kind of makeup, aside from not causing clogged or blocked pores. Some of these benefits include having natural ingredients that are oil-free. Hence, if you already have oily skin for starters, using a non comedogenic makeup (unlike using traditional makeup, which is laden with comedogenic ingredients such as parabens, lanolins, petroleum, and other synthetic fragrances and preservatives) won’t add more oil to the excess sebum that your skin’s sebaceous glands are already producing.

This simple fact alone can save you from not just having a greasy or oily face but also from having follicle irritation, which can cause acne cosmetica, allergic reactions, and other forms of skin irritation.

Of course, seeing that more women, especially those who’ve sensitive, oily, and dry skin types, are leaning toward non comedogenics in their makeup choices, the cosmetics industry is also trying their best to cater to the needs of these women. Today, more and more makeup brands and manufacturers are producing non comedogenic makeup.

And now, we see a lot of different cosmetics in stores and beauty centers that are labeled as non comedogenic. We also see a lot of advertisements and commercials where manufacturers are claiming that their products are supported by studies, that they’re scientifically and dermatologically tested, and that they’re all non comedogenic makeup.

However, wise women should not just solely and purely rely on labels and commercials. Cosmetic companies may make a lot of promising claims that their products are non comedogenic, but the truth is that these claims are not regulated by the FDA. T

hat being the case, you really can’t be sure that a makeup labeled as non comedogenic is in truth a non comedogenic makeup. Though, with all fairness, there are also many brands that are true to what they say in their commercials and are reliable.

Also, using non comedogenic makeup doesn’t mean you won’t ever have any pimples, breakouts, or skin irritation. A claim that a makeup is non comedogenic doesn’t necessarily preclude one from having pimples or breakouts. First, the wrong makeup for your skin type isn’t the only cause for your acne or breakouts, and second, even though its packaging states that it’s non comedogenic, it might not be 100% non comedogenic at all.

Having said all of this, the best thing that a smart buyer can do is to check the ingredients list of every cosmetic product that she considers buying and to get herself acquainted with the top skin irritants or the comedogenic ingredients that are used in formulating makeup and other cosmetic products. If you find out that any of these comedogenic ingredients are used to formulate a particular product, then this product isn’t a non comedogenic makeup at all.

Also, it pays to do a little research and to read reviews of cosmetic products on the internet before buying any of it. This way, you’ll be sure that the product is good and definitely true to its claims. You’ll also know what to expect when using the said product.

We’re working on a review of top brands and whether they test their products on animals. Check back soon!

One of the biggest problems that I have had for quite a long time is my acne and everything that goes with having lesions and breakouts on my face. My pimples were the one thing that kept popping up in my life even if I didn’t want them to. Of course, my friends kept telling me that in order to keep my acne from getting worse, I would have to get rid of my makeup because it would just irritate my skin and would just cause me to have more breakouts.

But avoiding makeup is very difficult for me; it even seems like an impossible thing to do. How can I get rid of my makeup when I need concealer, foundation, powder, and my entire makeup kit to make my face look more flawless and to hide all my pimples and pimple scars?

How can I just throw away my entire makeup set when I can’t possibly go outside with my bare face and with my acne marks for the whole world to see? My predicament surely needed an expert’s advice, which is why I sought the help of my dermatologist. Apart from prescribing some treatment for my acne, she also told me that I need to get rid of my current makeup and opt for non comedogenic makeup.

But What is Non Comedogenic Makeup?

She explained to me that “non comedogenic” means that “it won’t clog your pores.” Non comedogenic makeup is the same as “non-acnegenic” or “non-occlusive,” and being so, it’s highly recommended for acne-prone individuals. Aside from preventing blocked pores, it helps to prevent acne and making your acne much worse. It can also reduce skin irritation and unwanted skin blemishes. She also said that using this kind of makeup is apt for women who’ve acne problems because by not blocking your pores, the incidents of having pimples would also be reduced.

Another thing is that most non comedogenic makeup is usually oil-free, so it won’t add more oil to that which is already excessively produced by your sebaceous glands. This makeup is actually a good type of makeup to use because it helps keep your face from being shiny and greasy.

It is also 100% all natural, like mineral makeup. All natural ingredients are more skin-friendly because they don’t contain harsh chemicals that are most likely to cause skin irritation, especially to those with oversensitive skin types. Also, unlike those comedogenic ingredients, these natural ingredients in this type of makeup don’t seep into the pores of your skin. Some mineral makeup even helps remove bacteria and sebum while moisturizing your skin at the same time.

Acne-prone individuals would surely benefit much from using non comedogenic makeup as you can actually apply this kind of makeup over your acne medications. There’s no need to choose between your makeup and medications because now you can have both.

In short, non comedogenic makeup equals fewer pimples. If your skin is very acne-prone, it’s important to make sure that the makeup and other skin products that you’re using doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients so that you won’t have any unwanted breakouts and more acne to manage.

Girls love makeup; these words cannot be truer. The fact that makeup has the ability to cover blemishes instantly is the major reason for this undying love. But more than that, makeup is cheap compared to clinical procedures done in spas that may or may not be painful.

The only dilemma girls have when it comes to makeup application is that, sometimes, their choice of cosmetics causes the skin breakouts on their faces. Sure, they can try other brands, but how much trial and error can they perform before they raise the white flag and shout in defeat that there’s no makeup made for their skin? There’s good news, girls. Non comedogenic makeup has hit the market, and it’s yours for the taking!

What is a non comedogenic makeup?

Non comedogenic makeups are cosmetics that won’t clog your pores. This characteristic is a total keeper, considering that when your pores are clogged, skin breakouts are likely to happen. What are the common ingredients of non comedogenic makeup?

Aloe vera extract – Aloe has the natural capacity to moisturize, hence perfect for those suffering from dry skin. More than that, aloe vera can lessen inflammation, so if you’ve skin breakouts such as acne and pimples, they will heal. This is so unlike other cosmetics, which only aggravate the problem with skin breakouts.

Hazel extract- Hazel extract is a natural astringent. Astringent is popular in cleansing uses, but it’s also used to minimize pores, thus improving the skin’s complexion. It can also hydrate the skin like aloe can.

John’s wart extract – This extract is packed with antioxidants that help skin battle the signs of aging.

Bentonite clay – Bentonite clay is the best solution in drying out pimples and acne. It is also beneficial in removing impurities and toxins present in the skin.

As an added tip, make sure that you choose those cosmetics that are hypoallergenic, especially if your skin is super sensitive.

Other tips when it comes to cosmetics:

In choosing a non comedogenic foundation, choose the liquid foundation instead of the powder ones. Relax, there’s nothing really wrong with powder finish, only that they will look okay in a shorter period compared to liquid finish, which will look good for hours and hours.

Before buying any foundation cosmetics at all, make sure that you test it first in three areas of your face: under the eyes (to see if it really covers your panda assets or eye bags), around the nose, and on the jaw. These three have the perfect contours to check whether the color suits your skin.

Remember not to apply the non comedogenic foundation all over your face. In fact, don’t apply any foundation all over the face. Just cover the areas with blemishes and blend it on your skin. Another tip is to use a sponge; don’t use your finger because it doesn’t produce a finer finish.

Put your concealer over your foundation. This is one of the common mistakes in makeup application. Concealers are made to cover, not to blend. What would be the point of concealer if you just mix it with the foundation, non comedogenic or otherwise?

Mineral Makeup: Non Comedogenic Makeup or not?

Mineral makeup is one type of cosmetics that women are raving about nowadays. The term “mineral makeup” generally applies to foundation, eye shadow, bronzer, and other face makeup that is made up of loose and dry mineral powders.

A lot of claims have been made when it comes to mineral makeup; one of these is that it’s a natural makeup application.

But what really caught the attention of women and made them love it’s that mineral makeup is said to be a non comedogenic makeup, and therefore, it’s more skin-friendly than any other type of makeup on the market.

As most women who are fond of cosmetics would know, non comedogenic makeup won’t clog your pores like most traditional makeup does. Therefore, it’s a non-occlusive makeup, and it’s also non acnegenic, as clear and unblocked pores mean a less likelihood of getting more pimples. The Benefits of Using Non Comedogenic Makeup are numerous, and that’s why more and more women are falling in love with it.

Aside from being hypoallergenic and all natural, most mineral makeup is also non comedogenic makeup on Amazon, so it’s a healthier and safer cosmetic choice. As being non comedogenic, mineral makeup helps give the skin a more natural look and finish but still lets your pores breathe.

What makes mineral makeup non comedogenic is that it’s formulated without binders, artificial fragrances and preservatives, and synthetic dyes. In fact, among non comedogenic makeup, mineral makeup is the most highly recommended because it contains natural ingredients such as natural plant extracts that not only have antibacterial properties but also help moisturize and remove dirt and sebum without clogging the pores of the skin.

It is therefore more “pure” than other kinds of traditional makeup, which are laden with comedogenic ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (which is considered a very highly comedogenic substance). Most mineral makeup is also composed of ingredients that don’t cause skin irritation, such as Titanium dioxide and Zinc dioxide, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

While most mineral makeup is non comedogenic, there are, however, mineral makeup products that contain some comedogenic ingredients and other ingredients that may be natural but still pose some skin problems (especially for oversensitive skin types); for example, Bismuth Oxychloride is a by-product of lead.

Some companies also use varying amounts of talc, chemical preservatives, and parabens, which can not only clog our pores but also cause skin irritation and turn out to be acnegenic.

Back to the main question: is mineral makeup non comedogenic or not? The best answer would be “it depends.”

It doesn’t mean that since it’s a mineral makeup, it’s automatically a non comedogenic makeup. Whether a mineral makeup can be considered as comedogenic or non comedogenic makeup really depends on its ingredients. Mineral makeup products that have zinc dioxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, tin oxide, and pigmenting minerals as their main ingredients are generally non comedogenic.

However, mineral makeup products with ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, preservatives, dyes and mineral oils, and oils that are both natural (such as Wheat Germ Oil) and artificial are generally comedogenic. What you should look out for particularly are red dyes, esters, lanolins, emollients, fatty acids, and other waxes and fats. Cosmetics that have oils and creams are also generally comedogenic.

In order to know if a mineral makeup is a non comedogenic makeup or not, one must first look at the ingredients. If any of its ingredients are comedogenic, then even if it’s a mineral makeup, it’s still comedogenic. So before making your purchase, it’s important to first research the ingredients so that you’re 100% sure that the mineral makeup that you’re buying is also non comedogenic.

Is Non Comedogenic Makeup Tested on Animals?

The term “non comedogenic” has become a buzzword in the cosmetic industry nowadays. Non comedogenic makeup has become every woman’s go-to makeup.

With the many benefits that come with using non comedogenic makeup, it’s no longer a wonder why more and more women are using this type of makeup nowadays. But how do I do a comedogenic test? And do brands like Almay and Benefit test on animals?

As most makeup junkies would know, non comedogenic is the technical term used to refer to products and cosmetics that don’t clog pores. Dermatologists usually prescribe this type of makeup and cosmetics to their patients who suffer acne and breakouts and have other skin problems but still cannot give up makeup and cosmetics.

The reason is that this type of makeup won’t clog pores; there’s also less tendency of having follicle irritation, which can lead to more acne, breakouts, and skin irritation. No clogged pores equals a less likely chance of getting pimples.

But is non comedogenic makeup tested on animals?

Since it has been widely accepted that using non comedogenic makeup is more skin-friendly compared to other types of traditional comedogenic makeup, the next question that women usually ask is whether non comedogenic makeup on Amazon is eco-friendly. Of course, nobody who’s environmentally conscious wants to use a makeup if a lot of animals have been used and harmed just to test whether the makeup formulated is a non comedogenic makeup or not.

Unfortunately, it must be noted that as early as 1956, scientists have been using the rabbit-ear model to test whether a specific ingredient or product is comedogenic. Scientists have developed a procedure wherein they use rabbit ears to study the effects of comedogenic compounds.

The inside skin of a rabbit’s ear has similar structures with that of human facial skin; that’s why they use it to test cosmetic products. This procedure includes putting an ingredient or a cosmetic product on the insides of a rabbit’s ear. The comedogenicity of the product is then determined by the number of comedos that develops in the rabbit ears.

This testing procedure was further developed, and in 1972, it became a useful model for testing cosmetics for their comedogenic activity and for determining whether a makeup is non comedogenic makeup or not. It was through this procedure that it became widely known that ingredients such as isopropyl myristrate, parabens, and lanolins are highly comedogenic and through which cosmetic manufacturers developed a scale of ingredients containing their comedogenic levels.

However, to date, most cosmetic companies claim on their websites (such as Benefit Cosmetics, Becca, and Almay) that they don’t test their products on animals. Since there are already many scientific breakthroughs and technologies developed to analyze chemical compounds without the need for them to be tested on animals, what most companies do is just rely on the judgment and collaborative research of toxicological, pharmacological, and medical experts.

We’re working on a report right now on the testing practices of other brands like

Kat Von D

L’Oréal Paris

Too Faced

Maybelline

Estee Lauder

L’Oreal

Maybelline New York

Guerlain

NARS

Laura Mercier

CHANEL

Clarins

Anastasia Beverly Hills

NYX Professional Makeup

MAC

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Perhaps another curious method is the use of certified human clinical trials and testing the products comprehensively on paid volunteers. Such tests on human volunteers are said to be highly regulated by humanitarian laws, and it has been said that cosmetic manufacturers only do the tests on the back skin of humans.

Other alternative test methods also include relying on safety histories of ingredients and formulations to determine the safety and effectivity of a particular product and to make sure that the end product formulated is a non comedogenic makeup. This may also include requiring suppliers of raw materials to provide safety information on ingredients that is based on alternative testing methods and internationally accepted regulations and standards.

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Hi, I'm Amy, the Beauty section editor for Independent Femme! I've worked at a cosmetics distribution company for a number of years and learned my way through beauty tricks by making a ton of mistakes along the way. I'm here to ensure you don't make the wrong choices some of my former clients and I made!

You'll find me at all the trade shows and I'll be listing my appearances and speaking dates soon!